Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Pastor's Weekly Message

Dear Friends in Christ,

In the gospel lesson for this coming Sunday, Jesus reveals his power over death by raising Lazarus from the dead(John 11:1-45). In our Old Testament lesson, the prophet Ezekiel prophesies God breathing new life into dry bones(Ezekiel 37:1-14). To those in exile or living in the shadows of death, these stories proclaim God's promise of resurrection. In baptism we die with Christ that we might also be raised with him to new life.

Prayer of the Day

Almighty God, your Son came into the world to free us all from sin and death. Breathe upon us the power of your Spirit, that we may be raised to new life in Christ and serve you in righteousness all our days, through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

ANNOUNCEMENTS

·During Lent you are invited to join us on Wednesday evenings (Mar. 5, and Mar. 12) at 6 pm for a super soup supper, which is followed by the service of Holden Evening Prayer from 6:30-7 pm. Food for body and soul! J

NOTE: Lent is a very busy season in any church, and this year there are many extra things going on at Shepherd of the Valley. It is wonderful and exciting to be in the middle of the call process and to be kicking off a capital campaign, but these activities will likely require support from SOV's secretary, Nancy Shetterly. In addition, we have recently had two memorial services and numerous pastoral care situations here at SOV; of course, these take priority over routine matters, and they require attention from the secretary, as well as the pastor. Nancy works 20 hours per week, so additional duties such as these tend to make her schedule very tight. Please be patient with our secretary and respect her work space and her need for quiet time. Thank you!